Hong Kong Customs seized about 2.1 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and 6.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $8.24 million at Hong Kong International Airport on March 16 and yesterday (March 23) respectively.
 
     Customs officers inspected an air mail parcel from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 16 and found the batch of suspected methamphetamine concealed in four sets of children puzzle play mat in the parcel.
 
     After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (March 23) arrested one man suspected to be in connection with the case in Cheung Sha Wan.
 
     The arrested man, aged 40, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 25).
      
     Also, a 33-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday. During Customs clearance, the batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside the front and rear covers of six books placed in his suitcase. The man was then arrested. Investigation is ongoing.
      
     Customs will maintain close contact with Hong Kong Post and the logistics industries to step up action against drug trafficking through postal parcel or express courier channels.
      
     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
 

Ends/Sunday, March 24, 2019
Issued at HKT 21:23

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